One year following the launch of the Possible Dream program, Rachel Rivard was inducted
in 1993 and remained in the program until she graduated from Bay City Western in 1999.
She went on to utilize the Possible Dream scholarship and attended Delta College for two years before transferring to Michigan State University to earn a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering.
“For me, this program gave me hope and took away the burden of trying to figure out how I'd be able to go to college,” reflects Rachel. “I was able to focus on what truly interested me and what would set me up for a successful career close to family.”
Rachel first explored chemical engineering after receiving encouragement from her high school chemistry teacher who saw her potential. This, coupled with her years of career exploration in the program, gave her the confidence she needed to secure a co-op job with Dow Corning her senior year.
Now, after 21 years working in the chemical industry, Rachel supports 13 sites for DuPont as an integrated operations consultant and global continuous improvement leader. This past summer she even took her first international trip to Germany to assist with workshops as part of her role.
“I believe this program is so beneficial for children in the Great Lakes Bay Region because others may see their potential before they do,” says Rachel. “This program helps build their self-esteem, to believe in themselves, through continuous encouragement, support and relief from financial barriers. It truly does make dreams possible.”
